W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Former NFL player takes helm of Ocoee football. 1B.
FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023
VOLUME 90, NO. 13
Last W.G. citrus plant closes Heller Bros. has shut down its packing house after 84 years of operation. SEE PAGE 6A.
YOUR TOWN YMCA ROLLS WITH EGG HUNT The soccer fields at the Roper YMCA Family Center will be filled with colorful eggs this week for the facility’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. The event is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, for children up to fifth grade. For information, email tdeenyal@cfymca.org.
Support squad
OAKLAND TO HOST SPRING FEST Oakland’s Celebration Among the Oaks springtime festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at VanderLey Park, 117 E. Gulley Ave., with more experiences, thousands of eggs and boutique vendors. Attendees can hunt for eggs, pose for free photos with the Easter Bunny, shop at more than 40 vendor booths, and enjoy children’s activities and crafts. The Lakeside Church is hosting an egg drop at 12:30 p.m. featuring thousands of plastic eggs being released from a helicopter onto VanderLey Park. A Bubble Bus will provide a fun experience, and Orange Blossom Market Co. is partnering with the town to bring vendors specializing in baked goods, arts and crafts, and plant arrangements. Food trucks will be set up with lunch and snacks, and Sandy Back Porch bluegrass folk band will play at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland.
Annabelle Sikes
At age 42, cancer isn’t something Lisa Kierenia pictured for her life — or for her family.
ARABIAN NIGHTS!
Westbrooke families enjoy a magical evening at the school’s DaddyDaughter Dance. PAGE 5B.
Lisa Kierenia, a Winter Garden resident, recently was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Her community has come together to show its overwhelming support. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Spring Fever set to bloom in Winter Garden The Bloom & Grow Garden Society is holding its popular outdoor-themed event Saturday and Sunday. SEE PAGE 2A.
Burlesque shows on Main St.? City officials say a recent burlesque performance at Main House Market violates several county and city codes. 8A.